Government gives green light to micro wind

14 March 2008

This week the Government announced a relaxation of existing planning rules for micro- and small wind projects. The new plans will allow householders to install wind turbines with a diameter of up to 2m, without having to get planning permission from local councils.

The new regulations will be introduced as part of a wider reform of the planning system, the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). The result will be to relax planning red tape for domestic renewable energy including micro-wind turbines and air source heat pumps. The legislation now has to be referred to the EU for final ratification before coming into force.

Alex Murley, Small Systems Manager at the British Wind Energy Association, welcomed the move: “Planning is one of the major blockages to providing onsite renewables for homes and businesses” he added “thousands of applications are stuck in the planning process, this reform will make it much easier for consumers to supply their own clean, green energy.”

If you're investigating the possibility of installing a small wind turbine on your roof, the Energy Saving Trust's site is well worth a visit for advice on your options. Their handy guide outlines the situations in which turbines work best, the costs and savings which may be expected, and contains links to funding which can help with installation costs.

There is also lots of good advice about how to reduce your energy usage through insulation and glazing, and ways to spread the energy saving message and help fight climate change.

Find out more on their website at the 'Generate your own energy' page.